Youth Politics: is gender a swaying factor in the engagement election?

I know gender is a huge buzzword when it comes to inequality debates, but I’m interested to know how this translates into youth political engagement, or lack thereof…

There are many theories to explain why gender inequalities exist. Feminism argues people identifying as female are often disadvantaged due to societal values pertaining to their gender. For instance, perpetuating the belief that women’s’ pivotal role is to be a mother and home maker; resulting in judgment upon women who don’t follow this sexist narrative. How can we put a stop to inequality? We can make a start by considering how these societal values are created and promoted: socialisation. Primary socialisation occurs in the family, teaching young people societal beliefs, including gender roles. These values are reinforced through secondary socialisation in schools. Considering this, primary and secondary socialisation can create inequality in school subjects, as some young people may be encouraged to develop interests in particular subjects due to gendered socialisation (Acker, S., 1987).

So how does this translate into political engagement in schools?

Societal political engagement varies throughout history, however, in the later half of the twentieth century, the amount of voters in some Western countries decreased by more than 10 percentage points (Franklin, M.N., Lyons, P., Marsh, M., 2004). There are infinite reasons to explain this, but specifically how could decline in youth political engagement affect this? After all, you can only vote when you’re 18 and older, right? Well this decline in engagement could be a precursor to declining political engagement in adulthood, as many people start to form personal identities and opinions in their youth. This is especially significant for political engagement, as I’m sure we all know how hard it can be to change someone’s opinion on politics!

One study specifically analysed youth political engagement and found that young people’s motivation to be politically engaged was largely linked to the ‘expectancy-value model’ (Levy, B.L. and Akiva, T., 2019, pp 1048). This means that young people engage in subjects they feel they will succeed in, and subjects they believe to be meaningful and enjoyable. In this case, it is understandable why some young people don’t engage in politics, if they don’t see themselves as being represented, they probably don’t see the necessity in engaging with a system that silences their voices! This study also highlighted that women of colour have lower internal political efficacy than white women or white men, and men of colour (Levy, B.L. and Akiva, T., 2019). This shows a clear disadvantage for women of colour in politics; did you know in the UK, as of 2019, only 10% of members of the house of commons were from ethnic minority backgrounds? NOT a very fun fact! (House of Commons Library, 2021b). Young women may see this lack of representation, and internalise the political exclusion. They might feel they won’t succeed in politics and that their understanding of politics is flawed, when in reality, our political system is flawed! If young women are socialised into believing they will not succeed in certain subjects, it makes sense that in school they would put their energy into subjects they are told they will succeed in. As a result, many subjects are dominated by either male or female students/employees, due to perpetuation of gender stereotypes in schools, by teachers, parents, and other children.

Whilst socialisation is clearly influential, understanding the impact of role models on young people is also crucial. Research into the effects of role models on children show that boys and girls have positive responses when exposed to strong role models of their corresponding gender (Ochman, J.M., 1996). Makes sense, seeing people in widespread media and positions of power you can relate to is powerful stuff!

That’s all well and good, but how does this affect youth political engagement specifically?…

It is clear there is a gender imbalance when it comes to political influence. Recent statistics published in 2021 show the composition of the house of commons is only 34% female (House of Commons Library, 2021a), and the number of female cabinet ministers has declined, from 36% at its highest, to just 23% (House of Commons Library, 2021a).

Personally, I find these statistics deeply problematic! In order to move forward and encourage political engagement from our youth, shouldn’t the political parties governing the country, actually (and accurately!) represent our youth population? These statistics of female politicians paint a more detailed picture of gender inequality when considering the 2011 Census. This concluded the population of England and Wales constitutes 49% male and 51% female (ONS 2018). To put this sandwich of information together, essentially: lack of female political representation = lack of female political role models = lack of female youth political engagement. Now I don’t need to tell you that this is a terrible equation, but there could be an obvious solution! EQUALITY IN POLITICS!

Having female politicians as role models to young women could help encourage female youth political activity, and help girls feel represented! Whilst role model effects on gendered politics are complex, and have mixed results, one study suggests a strong influence on young women aged 18-29 (Wolbrecht, C. , Campbell, D.E., 2017). It would make sense then, to take these results into consideration, and formulate change. To ensure more female voices are heard, via more female representation in politics. We can do this by being inclusive of more female candidates in local community elections, and pushing for change in the UK government, resulting in more active female members of parliament.

Whilst I’ve made it clear (I hope!) throughout this blog that I am for male and female equality in politics, I would be remiss to not mention other intersectional factors such as race, ethnicity, and other gender identities in political engagement. It is especially important to also consider the intersectionality (the convergence of discrimination) of BAME individuals, especially women in politics. The media can be an incredibly influential tool in swaying public opinion, and media treatment of BAME women in positions of political power can be judgmental and persecutory (Ward, O., 2017). There is also an issue of exclusion for people who identify as a gender other than female and male, there is not enough information in politics regarding gender inclusivity, and there is a sore lack of research into political systems and genders that are non-binary.

I hope this blog is keeping you entertained! I know politics can be tedious to sink your teeth into, but these discussions are so important to ensure all voices are heard! Please tune in for the next instalment, and until then, stay inclusive!

Word Count: 1097

References:

• Acker, S., 1987. Feminist theory and the study of gender and education. International review of education, 33(4), pp.419-435.
• Franklin, M.N., Lyons, P. and Marsh, M., (2004). Generational basis of turnout decline in established democracies. Acta politica, 39(2), pp.115-151.
• Bolton, P., et al, (2021a), Women in Politics and Public Life, House of Commons Library, 01250 – https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk
• Uberoi, E., Tunnicliffe, R., (2021b), Ethnic Diversity in Politics and Public Life, House of Commons Library, 01156 – https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk
• Levy, B.L. and Akiva, T., 2019. Motivating political participation among youth: An analysis of factors related to adolescents’ political engagement. Political Psychology, 40(5), pp.1039-1055.
• Ochman, J.M., 1996. The effects of nongender-role stereotyped, same-sex role models in storybooks on the self-esteem of children in grade three. Sex Roles, 35(11), pp.711-735.
• Office for National Statistics, (2018), Male and Female Populations, (s.l.) – https://www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk
• Ward, O., 2017. Intersectionality and press coverage of political campaigns: Representations of Black, Asian, and minority ethnic female candidates at the UK 2010 general election. The International Journal of Press/Politics, 22(1), pp.43-66.
• Wolbrecht, C. , Campbell, D.E., 2017. Role models revisited: Youth, novelty, and the impact of female candidates. Politics, Groups, and Identities, 5(3), pp.418-434.